Sound machines have become a popular sleep tool for parents with young children. There is a lot of mixed information, though, about the right way to use a sound machine, and whether to use one at all! Here’s what to keep in mind when considering a sound machine for baby:
Do keep in mind, you don’t HAVE to use a sound machine for your child to learn to sleep well. Many children sleep fine without white noise.
But, in most situations, I am a big proponent of a sound machine.
Here are some great examples of when a sound machine and white noise can be so helpful to your baby’s sleep:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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– If you find your child waking from short naps, early in the morning, or any other time due to loud noises⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– a noisy pet⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– another child running around making noise during naptime⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– a busy street outside the nursery window⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you are deciding to use a sound machine, I suggest it be:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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– On a “white noise” or “rain” setting (no ocean waves or nursery rhymes that will simply stimulate baby)⠀⠀⠀⠀
– On continuously through the nap and night (not on a timer) – we want it to be on at 5am when the birds are chirping outside baby’s window!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– 5-10 feet from baby’s crib⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– Not higher than 50 decibels (you can get a free app on your phone to measure this)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Remember, your baby, your decision. And, what’s right for one baby isn’t always needed for the next, so do what’s best for your family and babe – if you want to use white noise, TRY IT!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And, if you don’t want to use white noise, don’t be pressured into making changes that you don’t want or feel are necessary. Your baby, your rules! The Marpac Dohm is a fan-fave among my clients. See this and more ideas for your baby’s sleep space on our Must Haves page. ⠀⠀
